A Massachusetts Wedding Venue at Willowdale Estate | Kristina and Nathan’s Topsfield Wedding

weddings

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Author:

Nicole Maday

Whether you’re already planning a Willowdale Estate wedding or searching for a Massachusetts wedding venue near Boston, this is one of my favorites. I’ve photographed many weddings here and I absolutely love how gradually wedding days progress. It is SO nice to have everything in one place and be able to stay present without effort. Kristina and Nathan’s day settled into that rhythm from the very beginning, and it was a perfect day!!

She told me she wanted her wedding to feel like a hug, which I thought was the sweetest thing. And as the day settled in at Willowdale Estate, it truly did.

Bride and groom recessing down the aisle surrounded by guests at an outdoor Massachusetts wedding venue with a stone building backdrop

Bride and groom embracing on a grassy field under an overcast sky, holding a soft white and blush bouquet
Romantic portrait of bride and groom with veil and bouquet, softly framed by light at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Playful moment of bride and groom walking through a field, laughing as they celebrate just married

Outdoor ceremony setup with white chairs, candles, and floral arrangements at a Massachusetts wedding venue with a rustic stone facade

Willowdale Estate Wedding Guide (Quick Overview)

Before we get into Kristina and Nathan’s wedding day, I want to walk you through a few quick logistics so you can get a feel for the space if you’re considering Willowdale Estate for your own wedding.

Here’s the quick overview:

  • Located in Topsfield, Massachusetts (about 40 minutes from Boston)
  • Ideal for 100–200 guest weddings
  • Fully on-site venue (getting ready, ceremony, reception)
  • Known for its ivy-covered courtyard ceremony space
  • In-house catering by Fireside Catering

Wide view of a historic stone estate surrounded by greenery, a classic Massachusetts wedding venue

Wedding party standing together in front of a stone estate at a Massachusetts wedding venue, holding neutral-toned bouquets

Willowdale Estate: A Massachusetts Wedding Venue Near Boston That Feels like a Hidden Gem

Willowdale Estate is one of those places that feels beautifully secluded. Even though it’s a well-known Massachusetts wedding venue and just outside of Boston (perfect for couples who are wanting to get married in Boston but not in the city), it carries a sense of privacy that allows a wedding day to feel intimate. The property in Topsfield is surrounded by greenery, with brick architecture and soft pathways that outline the events of the day.

For couples looking for a garden wedding venue in Massachusetts or a space near Boston that feels removed in the best way, Willowdale offers a sense of balance that’s hard to replicate.

Bride and groom walking along a tree-lined path, holding hands and talking quietly together

Close portrait of bride and groom embracing in front of a stone building at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Bride and groom walking hand in hand along a wooded path, smiling at each other in a quiet moment together
Groom kissing the bride’s forehead as she smiles with her eyes closed, holding her bouquet

Bride and groom sharing a kiss during their ceremony in front of a stone building at a Massachusetts wedding venue

A Joyful Wedding Morning at This Massachusetts Wedding Venue

The morning started in the happiest getting-ready room. Kristina got ready with the people who knew her the best. There was excitement, anticipation and so much joy. We left plenty of room in the timeline for getting ready portraits so nobody felt rushed or pressed for time. They were able to just enjoy this time together before the rest of the day unfolded.

With a morning like this, there’s more room to notice what’s happening. More space to feel it. And that carries into everything that comes after. I always tell my couples to leave a little extra space in the morning for this exact reason!

Bridesmaid helping the bride get dressed in a softly lit room with warm tones and simple decor
Groom adjusting his cufflinks by a window in a quiet getting ready moment
Bride sitting at a vanity putting on her shoes, her gown draped around her in soft natural light
Bride sitting by a window in black and white, smiling to herself in a quiet moment before the ceremony
White bridal heels resting on a soft veil with delicate detailing
Close-up of groom fastening his cufflink in a black and white portrait by the window

Keeping Portraits Simple at a Willowdale Estate Wedding

Kristina and Nathan are the sweetest couple who love each other to the core, and we wanted their photos to reflect that. They wanted to be present, to celebrate, and to actually experience the day as it was happening. So naturally, we kept the portraits simple in a way that felt like them.

We moved around the grounds of this Massachusetts wedding venue pretty casually, just stopping when something caught my eye or when there was a quiet spot to step into for a minute. It never felt like we were pulling them away from anything, but instead like we were adding these intentional moments to their wedding day.

I guided them when needed, but for the most part I just let them be their happy selves. And those are usually the photos couples end up loving the most anyway!! Because they feel so genuine. If being present for your day matters to you, then keeping you present matters to me.

Bride and groom standing together in front of floral arrangements at a Massachusetts wedding venue, smiling and holding a bouquet

Bride and groom standing close together on a tree-lined path, holding a white and blush bouquet and leaning in softly
Bride and bridesmaids in neutral satin dresses laughing together in front of a rustic stone doorway
Bride and groom stand together on a wooded path, holding a soft white and blush bouquet in natural light
Bride and groom embrace on an open lawn with a stone estate in the background at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Close-up of a soft, organic bridal bouquet with white and blush garden roses and trailing greenery
Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos standing together in front of a stone building at a Massachusetts wedding venue

A Meaningful Ceremony Moment at This Massachusetts Wedding Venue

The ceremony space at Willowdale Estate is one of my all time favorites. The brick, the ivy, the way everything wraps around you, it’s SO good. It feels tucked away and intentional, while still open with the sky above.

There’s something about that space that just pulls you in. There is elegance and beauty from the start. And being within these courtyard borders makes it easy to stay present during the ceremony. Nathan felt it the second Kristina started walking down the aisle, and you could see that presence stay with him the whole time.

They also chose to have their wedding party seated during the ceremony, which changed the feeling of the space in a subtle but meaningful way. It allowed their closest people to actually witness what was happening, rather than stand beside it.

And visually, it created a kind of simplicity that kept the focus exactly where it belonged. If you’re thinking through your own ceremony setup, this is one of those small decisions that makes a bigger difference than you’d expect.

Bride walking down the aisle with her father during an outdoor courtyard ceremony at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Bride walking arm in arm with her father along a garden path, holding a loose white floral bouquet
Stone estate exterior with green trim and soft floral arrangements framing the entrance at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Groom wiping away tears during an emotional outdoor wedding ceremony in a garden courtyard

Bride and groom share a kiss in a candlelit courtyard ceremony with guests seated under string lights at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Worship During a Willowdale Estate Wedding Ceremony

Partway through the ceremony, Kristina and Nathan paused to sing a worship song together with their guests. They praised and worshipped before committing their life to one another, and I still think about it to this day. It was beautiful to witness a ceremony like this that centered itself in Christ.

If your faith is important to you, this is something I love making space for. I’ve photographed prayers, worship songs, washing of each other’s feet, scripture readings, communion and more during weddings, and all to give glory to God.

Groom reading his vows while holding a microphone during an outdoor ceremony, with the bride standing close in front of him
Bride gently wiping tears from the groom’s face during an emotional vow exchange in a garden courtyard
Bride listening closely during vows, holding her bouquet in front of soft white floral arrangements

Wide view of an outdoor courtyard ceremony with guests seated and a stone estate backdrop at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Bride speaking during the ceremony while holding her bouquet, with her partner and officiant standing nearby

Intimate ceremony moment with the couple standing together in a garden courtyard surrounded by guests at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Unique Wedding Guest Book Idea for a Willowdale Estate Wedding

During the reception, Kristina and Nathan stepped away to do the cutest thing. They left themselves a message using “After the Tone,” which they had set up as their guest book so people could leave voicemails instead of written notes. Every one of their guests left them a voice message that they could listen to years from now. But even better – they left a message themselves, too. Just the two of them, their voices exactly as they were on their wedding day. And in ten, twenty or fifty years, they can listen back to these messages and hear the joy in their voices just as it was.

Weddings move fast, you don’t fully realize it until you’re in it. And while photos hold so much, there’s something so precious about the voices of loved ones. I loved this idea so much. If you’re someone who wants to remember your day in a really real, tangible way, this is such a good one to consider!

Willowdale Estate Wedding Venues Signature Cookies

Lastly, it wouldn’t be a Willowdale wedding without mentioning their signature fresh chocolate chip cookies during the reception. And yes yes yes. They are as good as everyone says. And served WARM. I literally dream of these.

The whole reception had this really easy, settled-in kind of feel. People were gathered, conversations lingered, and no one felt like they had to be anywhere else. You could just enjoy. And fresh cookies with loved ones gathered really feels like home.

If you’re considering having your wedding here… I’m just saying. These cookies might seal the deal.

Bride and groom smiling together indoors, holding a vintage phone in a wood-paneled room
Late-night cookie display with trays of chocolate chip cookies and milk bottles on a rustic wooden shelf
Bride and groom walking through a wood-paneled hallway together, holding hands and smiling after the reception at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Bride and groom walking hand in hand under glowing string lights during their evening reception at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Bride walking across a stone patio in a fitted gown and heels during the reception at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Bride and groom sharing their first dance under string lights inside a tented reception

Best Time of Year for a Willowdale Estate Wedding

Each season at Willowdale Estate feels a little different, which is part of why it’s such a good place to come back to. It’s a really beautiful property year-round, it just shows up differently depending on when you’re there.

Spring at Willowdale Estate

Spring is when everything starts turning green again and the whole place feels fresh. The courtyard fills in, flowers start popping up, and there’s that early-season energy where everything just feels a little lighter.

This is where I start seeing softer color palettes come in, bridesmaids in pastels, florals that feel a little more airy, table settings that lean into texture and color.

If you’re someone who loves those lighter tones and wants your day to feel fresh and a little more playful, spring here gives you so much to work with.

Close-up of bride’s veil and bouquet with soft white and blush flowers against a natural green backdrop

Summer at Willowdale Estate

Summer has those long evenings where the light sticks around through cocktail hour. You’re outside, drink in hand, talking with your friends while the sun slowly drops behind the trees.

This is where things can feel a little more bold, more saturated color palettes, layered tables, maybe a patterned linen moment. Everything holds up really well in that summer light.

If you’re picturing a wedding where you’re outside as much as possible and really soaking in that time with your people, summer here makes that really easy!

Bride placing a ring on the groom’s finger during an outdoor ceremony at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Fall At Willowdale Estate

Fall is big here for a reason! The foliage around the estate is so pretty.

This is where richer tones start to come in, deeper florals, textures, maybe velvet or layered fabrics depending on your style. The setting already has so much to offer, so everything just feels full without needing to add a ton.

If you love that classic New England fall feeling and want your venue to carry a lot of the visual weight, this is probably your season!

Black and white photo of groom lifting the bride during their first dance while guests watch and smile

Winter At Willowdale Estate

Winter shifts everything inside. The rooms feel a little quieter, more tucked in, and the whole day takes on a slower pace. This is where things can feel really refined, candlelight, darker tones, more minimal but intentional design. It doesn’t need much, the space already does so much for you!

If you’re drawn to something a little more intimate and want your day to feel centered around the people in the room, winter here does that really well.

Groom lifted into the air by friends on the dance floor during a lively reception at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Willowdale Estate Wedding Timeline Tips

One of the biggest advantages of this Massachusetts wedding venue is that everything happens in one place. That alone allows your timeline to feel more natural and less rushed.

I usually recommend planning your ceremony time around the light in the courtyard, especially since it shifts more than you might expect depending on the season. From there, keeping portraits close to the ceremony time or just after allows you to stay present for most of cocktail hour. Most of my couples prioritize attending cocktail hour, so I always make sure to include that in your timeline!

When your timeline allows for natural movement throughout the day, you can feel the difference. Less production, more realness as you transition from one event into the next.

Close-up of bride holding her bouquet with soft blush roses in front of a rustic stone wall

Photography Tips for Willowdale Estate Weddings

If you’re getting married at Willowdale Estate, one of the most important things to consider is your ceremony timing! The courtyard light changes quickly depending on the time of year, and that directly affects both how your ceremony feels and how it photographs.

I also recommend using different parts of the venue for portraits! The Mansion itself is beautiful and offers a stunning backdrop both up close and from far away. The stone, the greenery, the green accents – stunning. The property naturally offers quiet corners and soft light without needing to go too far, which helps you stay connected to your guests and enjoy the flow of the day. The lawn is great for open backdrops, and there is even a separate pathway that travels into the woods if you want to really step away for a little bit. And lastly, the mansion interior at Willowdale Estate is gorgeous. Every corner flooded with character. If you can, make time to use the space as much as possible and you will see so much variety in your final wedding gallery.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand down the aisle just married at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Black and white close-up of bride and groom sharing a kiss, holding each other closely
Bride and groom embracing on a grassy field, holding a soft white and blush bouquet and leaning into each other
Wedding guests seated during the ceremony, smiling and watching from the front row in a courtyard at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Bride and bridesmaid standing together with bouquets in front of a textured stone wall
Bride holding her bouquet and listening during the ceremony, facing her partner in a garden setting

Bride and groom sharing a kiss on an open lawn with a stone estate in the background at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Things to Know About Willowdale Estate 

Where is Willowdale Estate located?

Willowdale Estate is located in Topsfield, Massachusetts, about 40 minutes outside of Boston, making it a convenient yet private Massachusetts wedding venue. It’s a great fit if you like the idea of being near Boston but don’t want the city feel for your wedding day!

How many guests can Willowdale Estate accommodate?


Willowdale Estate can host up to around 200 guests, and it still feels really comfortable at that size. There’s plenty of space to move around, talk with your people, and enjoy being there. It’s one of those venues that holds a full guest list really well!

Is Willowdale Estate a good option for a garden wedding?


Yes, it’s actually one of my favorite garden-style venues in Massachusetts! The ceremony space with the brick and ivy is so pretty, and the whole property has that tucked-away, exclusive, outdoor feel. If you’re picturing something green, a little more relaxed, but still really put together, this might be a great fit.

Does Willowdale Estate provide catering?


Yes, everything is handled in-house by Fireside Catering, which makes things so much easier on your end! It keeps the day feeling really seamless since everything is already built into the venue. And from what I’ve seen myself, guests are always happy (which says a lot)!!

Reception tent filled with guests seated under warm string lights during dinner at a Massachusetts wedding venue

Book Your New England Wedding Photographer

When you’re planning a Willowdale Estate wedding or searching for a Massachusetts wedding venue that allows your day to feel joyful, connected, and experienced fully, this is a space that offers more than just a beautiful setting. It gives you so much room to be present, to move through your day without feeling rushed from one moment to the next, and to actually take in what’s happening as it unfolds. And that’s what stays. Not just how everything looked, but how it felt to stand there, to hold hands, to hear your vows spoken out loud.

As a Massachusetts wedding photographer, that’s what I’m looking for. The in-between moments, the quiet reactions, the way a day naturally comes together when it isn’t over-directed. Those are the parts that tend to matter more with time. Those are the moments you’ll return to. If you’re planning a Willowdale Estate wedding and want a day that feels real, allowing you to be present and fully lived in, I’d love to be there with you! You can reach out here and fill me in on what you’re dreaming up for your Massachusetts wedding.

Bride and groom sharing a quiet first dance under soft lighting inside the reception tent
Bride and groom celebrating with hands raised under string lights in a courtyard at a Massachusetts wedding venue
Bride and groom kissing on a packed dance floor surrounded by cheering guests

The Vendor Team:
Venue: Willowdale Estate
Coordination: Julia D’Agostino
Photography: Nicole Maday Photography
Videography: Veiled in Motion
Cake: Silver Whisk Bake Shop
HMU: Minah Campos
Florals: Flou(e)r
DJ: EFC Entertainment
Dress: Ceremony
Rings: Laura Preshong